Ms. Red Flashback Part 2: photos of my work from previous years.

A few days ago, I added some photos of my work from previous years (part 1). I had a few positive comments from a some friends and customers, so I thought I might continue to add more "Ms. Red Flashbacks".

Above, the model wears the Summer Brights Corset and Bright Green Flared Pants.



I always loved creating flared pants and corsets, but the Be My Baby Dress above was a completely new style for me when it came out. A very 60's inspired style, and since the waist line finished just under the bust, it made the wearer's legs long very long!





All of these photos were taken by Milena from I Love Wednesdays, and make up was done by Nat Biller.



I now sell my latest designs at the Rocks Markets, Sydney or you can buy Penelope Red online. To find out more information, please visit the Penelope Red website.

New Style: The Penelope Red Venus Corset

I have just added the Penelope Red Venus Corset to my Etsy shop, so I thought I would add a few extra pictures to this blog.



I love wearing corsets! They make me feel so feminine, sexy and empowered! I feel like my alter ego comes alive when I wear them, and I always receive compliments on the craftsmanship, and difference to the rest of the corsets out there. Most people can't believe that I make them myself!



You can take a look at the making of one of the Penelope Red corsets here.



The main fabric is a vintage floral brocade, featuring a floral pattern in pink, salmon and pistachio green on a cream background. I have enough fabric to make about eight copies of this corset- that's eight for the entire world to share. I can make them in A-B cup size, as well as C-D cup size.



Please contact me on designer@penelopered.com.au for more information on sizing, etc.

Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds!

The Penelope Red Silver Floral Corset Dress

The Silver Floral Corset Dress was added to my etsy shop a few days ago, and since I have loads of photos of this dress, I thought it would be a good idea to add a few more on this blog.



The centre back has been finished with an invisible zip, and a small diamante button securing the zip.




Inside, there is a lace-up corset; this makes the dress secure around your body, and creates a wasp-like waist!



I wanted to include as many of the photos as possible, as the location was beautiful, and I thought it really suits the style of the dress. I could imagine this dress being worn to many cocktail parties, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions!



Take a look at the Purple Floral Corset Dress blog posting, to see more about the Penelope Red corset dresses.

Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds!

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 7th Feb

I will be trading at The Rocks Markets this coming Sunday, 7th of February, 2010. The trading hours are 10am til 5pm. Please note, it is ONLY SUNDAY. (I have a good friend's wedding party to attend on Saturday, and I simply couldn't miss it!)

I will have many designs to show off- and I now have a size 12 Pink Victorian Corset- which was extremely popular last weekend I was there. Hope to see you there!

The Making of a Penelope Red Corset

I love wearing my Penelope Red corsets! They are so feminine, sexy and command attention- they make me feel like a million dollars!

Whenever I wear them out, many people ask me questions like: How long do they take to make? How do you make them? What do you make them out of?


(Above, me dancing at a club in Sydney, wearing the Pink Victorian Corset)

While I am not prepared to give away all of my secrets, I thought I would show you exactly the kind of work involved in making each one of these corsets...


First, I need to make the pattern. I use a standard size 10 block, then I create my own design using my unusual design lines- that everyone seems to love so much! Once I am happy, I then need to 'grade' each pattern piece to create the different sizes- all of this can take a couple of days.

I need to then cut out each layer- that's FOUR layers: Main fabric, interfacing, interlining (where the boning sits), and lining.


On the Pink Victorian Corset, I also have an extra layer on the side panels, which has been crazy patch-worked together; so I need to sew each seam, iron out the seams flat, then cut out these pieces again!




Once I have attached the interfacing to the main fabric, I can start sewing the pieces together.


I need to sew all of the pieces together for each layer: Main, interlining and lining.


After this, I need to then layer each seam, clip and trim; this means each seam will lie flat when pressing.


I then apply the boning to the interlining.


A line of pink lace is applied to each of the outer seams on the side panels of the corset.


Once I have prepared the ruffle, I attach this to the top edge, and I then sew through the Main layer and Interlining layer to attach the boning.



I like to make as secure as possible lacing loops, so I use a plaited cord and I zig-zag over the ends a few times.


The Penelope Red label must be added to the lining!


The lining is then attached to the other layers, then I must trim and clip again.



Once the corset is turned out, I then make a top-stitching line around the entire corset edge.


The corset is finished once I have laced it up!


As you can tell, there is A LOT of work involved in making these! As much as I sometimes get overwhelmed with the work, I can't deny how good they look on the women who wear them; and I am proud to say that they are a Penelope Red design!



Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds! You can also see my designs in person at The Rocks Markets.